Litmus test for holders at Kisii County games
Defending champions face a difficult task to retain their titles as the 2020 Kisii County Secondary School Term One Games begin at Cardinal Otunga High Mosocho today.
The games will see teams compete in basketball, handball, hockey, rugby sevens and 15s as well cross-country with title holders, former champions, debutants all coming into the games in good form.
Itiero Girls will be going for an unprecedented ninth straight basketball crown while Nyanchwa Boys will be seeking a third consecutive triumph.
In handball, county queens Senior Chief Musa Nyandusi Kegati Girls are itching for a fourth straight title as Tabaka Boys attempt another successful defence of their crown while in hockey, perennial winners Kereri Girls and Kisii School confidently lie in wait for any challenge that may come their way.
Girls’ handball will be the first on the pitch with defending champions Kegati taking on Gesero before Tabaka entertain Tendere in the boys’ category.
Former Kisii County rugby sevens champions St Joseph’s Nyabigena are buoyant of staging a successful campaign after their 2018 triumph.
They moved to 15s last year but were not successful and coach Saphinnah Kenyando is keen to right those wrongs this time round.
“We are well prepared and not ready to lose. We did not achieve our goals last year but we are determined to bounce back and claim our rightful place,” said Kenyando.
Nyabigena begin their journey to excellence in a Pool B that also features hosts and heavyweights Cardinal Otunga and Ingonga Boys from Kisii South.
Defending champions Kisii School lead Pool A that also has Nyabisase and Ndonyo while Pool C comprise Sameta, Moi Gesusu and Rionkindo.
Pool D features Nyasore, Rianyanchebera and newcomers Senior Chief Musa Nyandusi Kegati Boys. In athletics, Nyamache and Kenyenya’s rivalry will be renewed.
“It’s going to be a colourful and explosive championships. All teams will be given a good opportunity to showcase their talents so we need the best out of them,” said Kisii games secondary sports association secretary Geoffrey Nyantika.
The officials has also put on notice those with intentions of cheating by fielding ineligible players.
“Usually, all teams provide the necessary documents for identification. Secondly, we will do physical vetting before the start of the championship,” he added.
